Why Newcastle signing White would solve their defensive woes

According to a report by Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are interested in Leeds United loan star, Ben White.

The 22-year old defender, who is currently on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, has received some rave reviews for his exemplary displays at the back for Championship side Leeds.

The Marcelo Bielsa-led Leeds have been impressive so far in the English second division as they are in contention for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

For all their noteworthy displays in the league, Bielsa owes it to his defenders, especially White, who has been rock solid at the back for the Yorkshire outfit.

Also, Leeds have the best defensive record in the league, having conceded a mere 10 goals in 19 games. No other side has conceded lesser.

Since making his move early in the summer to Elland Road, the Poole-born centre-back has developed into one of the key players for Leeds under Bielsa.

He has featured in all their 19 league games so far and has a goal to his name.

A former Brighton academy graduate, White has had loan spells at Peterborough United and Newport County before establishing himself as a regular with the Whites.

However, sadly, White, who has had a breakthrough campaign this season with Leeds, is yet to feature in a game for his parent club Brighton.  

The youngster is currently under contract with the Seagulls until 2022 and has a £20million price tag on his head.

Meanwhile, his noteworthy performances at the back have caught the attention of a string of Premier League clubs including Newcastle United and European Champions Liverpool, as claimed by Chronicle Live.

The Magpies led by Steve Bruce, on the other hand, are struggling in the top-flight with just 4 wins from 14 games.

Much of their poor displays this season have been the result of a poor defence, which has conceded 22 goals already.  

It would do the world of good for Newcastle if the young White makes a move to St. James Park, as their current centre-backs Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez are in their thirties, and already past their prime.

Clark is in his fourth season with the club and cannot turn younger. Meanwhile, strong performances from skipper Jamaal Lascelles and Swiss defender Fabian Schar have limited Fernandez’s game time.

However, Lascelles is currently injured and won’t be back until the new year. Schar, meanwhile, has been troubled by injuries and has just made his comeback into the side.

With problems running aplenty within the Magpies’ defensive ranks, White’s addition would be a ray of hope for a side that seems to lack self-confidence.

This season alone, White has had a pass success rate of 85.7% according to Whoscored, which further enhances his role as a ball-playing modern centre-back, .

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He is also blessed with good defensive abilities as it is evident from his 2.7 interceptions, and 3.5 clearances per match. (Source: Whoscored)   

Verdict

Injuries and inconsistencies at the back have destabilized a Newcastle defence this season.

With the in-form White in his squad, Bruce could form a formidable backline alongside Schar and Lascelles, and thus put an end to their defensive woes.

Also, the youngster could bring in some poise and vigour to a backline, which seems completely devoid of it at the moment.